IDI INTRODUCES HEUCO CAMERA STABILIZING SYSTEMS Two unique new vibration-dampening stabilizing systems for film and cameras that can quickly be mounted for helicopter shooting video A new and exciting concept of filming videotaping from helicopters, the IDI Helico camera stabilizing system, was unveiled at the 1980 Photokina by Image and Devices of Miami and Atlanta. IDI arranged for a Bell Jet Ranger to land on the roof of the exhibit building to give a gap that currently exists in equipment available to facilitate the use of vehicle-mounted cameras. Both units ples and require no power trical connections. supply or elec¬ are unique in their compact size, portability, affordability, dependability and versatil¬ ity and both units are capable of being How It Works The IDI Helico I is an overhead- hands-on demonstration to interested size suitcase. The IDI Helico systems suspension system of aircraft quality aluminum to support most film and video cameras weighing up to 35 kilos. The parties at the international fair, one of was American Cinematographer editor Herb Lightman. The IDI Helico helicopter mount was installed in the helicopter in a matter of minutes-quick set-up is one of its exceptional characteristics-and off flew Lightman and other cameramen around the city of Cologne. The dual spires of the famous 632-year-old cathedral made an interesting test target for telephoto lens stability. German television representatives flew the helicopter. They said they were tremendously impressed. "Impressive" is an accurate term for describing the IDI Helico camera stabiliz¬ ing systems. Everyone involved in shoot¬ ing film or video tape from a moving vehi¬ operate on passive-mechanical princi¬ Continued broken down and carried in a medium on Page 1293 whom cle should be most interested in these two new products from Image Devices. vibration-dampening camera mounting systems unveiled by IDI at Photokina have been designated as IDI Helico I and IDI Helico II. Both mounting systems are capable of filling a very large The two (ABOVE) A Bell Jet Ranger helicopter with camera mounted on Image De¬ vices' Helico I stabilizing mount soars over Cologne in a test flight con¬ ducted at PHOTOKINA '80. (LEFT) The Helico I is an overhead suspension system with a dampening assembly ball-joint connected to a slider sleeve that rides on silent bearings the length of a heavily-chromed steel bar. (BELOW) The steel bar can be seen suspended across the doorway of the helicopter in flight. 1240 AMERICAN CINEMATOGRAPHER, DECEMBER, 1980